Protective headgear apparatus

ABSTRACT

A protective headgear includes an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer&#39;s head, and a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer&#39;s face. An impact absorbing face mask section can be releasably attached to the front edge of the primary shell and positioned for protecting the wearer&#39;s face, such that the face mask section does not contact the wearer&#39;s face.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/788,985, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and which is incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing protection for the wearer's head and face. One embodiment of the invention comprises a protective apparatus for use in women's lacrosse.

The popularity of lacrosse is rapidly increasing, and it is currently one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. Women's lacrosse in particular is quickly growing in popularity. Women's lacrosse has a significantly higher incidence of facial injuries as compared to men's lacrosse. US Lacrosse, the governing body of women's and youth lacrosse, estimates that over 500,000 girls are currently playing lacrosse in the United States.

According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, thirty percent of the injuries in women's lacrosse occur to the face and/or head, in comparison to eighteen percent in men's lacrosse. Seventy six percent of fractures in women involve the head, face, hand or fingers. The majority of injuries occur in practice (68%) compared to games (32%).

Because women's lacrosse emphasizes speed, high level of conditioning, and quickness, this makes it a unique sport with a set of potentially unique injury mechanisms and types seen on the field. Women's lacrosse is rapidly evolving and younger girls are playing than ever before. The girls playing lacrosse are typically more athletic and stronger as specific conditioning programs have been developed and implemented. As such, there is a potential for more unintentional physical contact between players, stick related incidents and ball contact to the face and head will as the speed of the game is increases.

US Lacrosse is addressing the area of player safety, and in particular, concussions, their causes, effects and methods of recovery therefrom. It is believed that concussions in women's lacrosse happen at about the same rate as in women's soccer and women's ice hockey. Stick-to-head contact is the leading cause of concussions in women's lacrosse. US Lacrosse is currently working with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to develop a headgear standard unique to women's lacrosse.

Existing protective head gear that protects the face, such as the protective face masks used in softball and baseball, are typically designed such that the outer edge of the face mask directly contacts the face, and the face mask is held in place on the face by straps positioned on the user's head. The direct contact of the face mask on the wearer's face can be uncomfortable and cumbersome. Hot weather can exacerbate the discomfort associated with having the facemask mounted directly to the wearer's face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a protective head gear that can protect the face of the wearer without directly contacting the facial area of the wearer. Another object of the invention is to provide a head mounted headgear for use in sports, such as women's lacrosse, softball, field hockey and other recreational activities. These and other objects of the invention can be obtained in the preferred embodiments of the invention described below.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a protective headgear comprising an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, and a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face. An impact absorbing face mask section can be releasably attached to the front edge of the primary shell and positioned for protecting the wearer's face, such that the face mask section does not contact the wearer's face.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the face mask is releasably attached to the primary shell by a plurality of impact absorbing clips formed on the front edge of the primary shell.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an impact absorbing chin piece can be removably attached at a lower edge of the primary shell, and the chin piece and the front edge of the primary shell define the front facial opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the face mask is releasably attached to the primary shell by a plurality of impact absorbing clips formed on the front edge of the primary shell and the chin piece.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary shell is comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the face mask section is comprised of polycarbonate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of impact absorbing bars are attached to the upper edge of the primary shell and extend arcuately over the upper crown opening to protect the crown portion of the wearer's head.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the impact absorbing bars are comprised of polycarbonate.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of impact absorbing bars comprise a pair of substantially parallel impact absorbing bars extending substantially longitudinally over the crown opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an adjustable strap can be attached to the upper edge of the primary shell, and extending substantially perpendicular to the pair of impact absorbing bars.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the primary shell includes a rear edge having an upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region positioned proximate the center of the rear edge.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an impact absorbing back shell can be attached to the rear edge of the primary shell, and has a downwardly extending semi-circular region complementary to the upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region of the primary shell. As such, the upwardly extending semi-circular region of the primary shell and the downwardly extending semi-circular region of the back shell together define a substantially circular opening through which hair gathered in a ponytail can be inserted therethrough.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the back shell is attached to the primary shell by a plurality of straps.

According to another embodiment of the invention, resilient padding can be attached to an interior surface of the primary shell.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an identifying cover member can be releasably attached to the primary shell and has a distinguishing visual characteristic, such as a color, name and/or logo.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a protective headgear comprises an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face, and a rear edge opposed to the front edge having an upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region proximate the center of the rear edge. An impact absorbing back shell is attached to the rear edge of the primary shell, and has a downwardly extending semi-circular region complementary to the upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region of the primary shell, such that the upwardly extending semi-circular region of the primary shell and the downwardly extending semi-circular region of the back shell together define a substantially circular opening through which hair of the wearer can be inserted therethrough.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an impact absorbing face mask section can be releasably attached to the front edge of the primary shell and positioned for protecting the wearer's face, such that the face mask section does not contact the wearer's face.

A protective headgear kit according to another embodiment of the invention comprises a protective headgear, and a plurality of identifying cover members. The headgear comprises an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, and a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face. Each identifying cover member can be releasably attached to the primary shell and has a distinguishing visual characteristic distinct from the other cover members. The distinguishing visual characteristic can be a color, name and logo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective headgear according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the headgear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the headgear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the headgear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the headgear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the headgear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is an exploded side elevation of the headgear of FIG. 1 and an identifying cover member;

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the headgear of FIG. 1 and the identifying cover member;

FIG. 7C is another exploded perspective view of the headgear of FIG. 1 and the identifying cover member;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective headgear according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the headgear of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the headgear of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the headgear of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of the headgear of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 13 is a front elevation of the headgear of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE

A protective headgear apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 comprises a primary shell 12, and a face mask 20 attached to the shell 12. The headgear 10 is particularly suitable for use in women's lacrosse. However, the headgear 10 can also be used in softball, field hockey and other sports and recreational activities.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the primary shell 12 has an upper edge 11 defining an upper crown opening 14 that is substantially circular in shape and exposes the crown portion of the head of a person wearing the head gear 10. A removable chin piece 16 can be attached at the lower edge of the shell 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The chin piece 16 is removably attached to the shell 12, and can come in a variety of colors to allow the wearer to customize her particular apparatus 10. For example, the wearer can select a chin piece 16 having a color conforming to the color of the wearer's team uniform.

The primary shell 12 has a front facial edge 13, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The front facial edge 13 and the chin piece 16 define a front facial opening 18. The primary shell 12 and the chin piece 16 can be made from an impact absorbing material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic.

A face mask 20 can be positioned within the front facial opening 18, and attached to the primary shell 12 by two impact absorbing mask clips 32 positioned along the front facial edge 13 of the shell 12, a center mask clip 36 positioned on center of the chin piece 16, and two corner mask clips 35 positioned at opposite ends of the chin piece 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The face mask 20 can be made from an impact absorbing material, such as polycarbonate. The face mask 20 is releasably attached to the clips 32, 35, 36, so that the face mask 20 can be interchangeable with other face masks of varying color and/or design. Also, the face mask 20 can be removed from the headgear 10, and the headgear 10 can be used without the face mask 20 or any other face mask. The face mask 20 extends from the front facial edge 13 to the chin piece 16, throughout the entire facial opening 18. As such, the face mask 20 protects all portions of the wearer's face.

A plurality of protective elongate members such as bars 41, 42 are attached at the upper edge 11 of the primary shell 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The protective bars 41, 42 extend over the crown opening 14, and are contoured in arcuate fashion to conform to the contour of the crown of the wearer's head, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6. The protective bars 41, 42 extend longitudinally over the crown opening 14, and are substantially parallel to each other. The protective bars 41, 42 can be made from an impact absorbing material, such as polycarbonate. An adjustable crown strap 50 is attached proximate to the shell 12 proximate the crown opening 14 at opposite ends, and extends substantially perpendicular to the protective bars 41, 42, as shown in FIG. 4. The crown strap 50 rests on the crown of the wearer's head. The length of the crown strap 50 can be adjusted to accommodate varying head sizes. The crown strap 50 can be made of nylon or other elastic material.

A back shell 60 can be attached to the primary shell 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the back shell 60 is attached proximate the rear edge of the primary shell via two adjustable rear straps 51, 52 proximate the rear edge of the primary shell 12. The straps 51, 52 can be made of nylon or other elastic material. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the rear edge of the primary shell 12 includes an upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region 15, and the upper edge of the back shell 60 has a corresponding downwardly extending semi-circular region 65. When the primary shell 12 and the back shell 60 are attached, the upwardly extending semi-circular region 15 of the primary shell 12 and the downwardly extending semi-circular region 65 of the back shell 60 together define a substantially circular opening 75 through which a ponytail of the wearer can be inserted therethrough, as shown in FIG. 5.

Interchangeable padding 80 can be attached to the interior surface of the primary shell 12 and back shell 60, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to enhance comfort for the wearer. The padding 80 can be made of a soft, resilient material, such as urethane foam.

The headgear apparatus 10 protects the face, crown, side, back and temporal areas of the wearer's head. The apparatus 10 can provide such protection without directly contacting the wearer's face. The apparatus 10 can include a chin strap for further stabilizing the apparatus 10 on the wearer's head. As such, the chin strap is the only part of the apparatus 10 contacting the wearer's face, which is still significantly less facial contact than what is required with conventional sports face masks.

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, an identifying cover member 72 can be releasably attached to the primary shell 12. The identifying cover member 72 has a distinguishing visual characteristic, such as a particular color, team name, brand name, logo and/or other visual indicia. As such, the headgear 10 can be customized for easy identification. For example, the user can select a cover member 72 having a particular logo printed thereon so that the user can easily distinguish her headgear 10 from those of other players with whom she is practicing. The headgear 10 can be part of a kit that includes a group of headgears 10 and a plurality of cover members 72, with each cover member 72 having a different logo or other visual characteristic so that each headgear 10 can be visually distinguished from each other. Alternatively, the headgear 10 can be part of a kit that includes a group of headgears 10 and a plurality of cover members 72, with each cover member 72 being the same color or having another similar visual characteristic, such as a team name. As such, members of a lacrosse team can select the kit having cover members 72 that are the team's color or has the team's name thereon. The identifying cover member 72 and a portion of the primary shell 12 can be sized and shaped for complementary engagement, such that the cover member 72 can be snapped onto the primary shell 12.

As noted above, the face mask 20 is releasably attached to the headgear 10, and can be interchanged with other face masks of varying design. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the headgear 10 with an alternative face mask 90. As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 13, the face mask 90 is positioned only in the upper half of the front facial opening 18, and leaves the lower half open. The face mask 90 is attached to the primary shell 12 by four impact absorbing mask clips 32 positioned along the front facial edge 13 of the primary shell 12, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 13. The face mask 20 can be made from an impact absorbing material, such as polycarbonate. The face mask 90 can be removed from the headgear 10, and the headgear 10 can be used without the face mask 90 or any other face mask.

A protective headgear and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The foregoing description of embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective headgear comprising: (a) an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, and a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face; and (b) an impact absorbing face mask section releasably attached to the front edge of the primary shell and positioned for protecting the wearer's face, wherein the face mask section does not contact the wearer's face.
 2. The protective headgear according to claim 1, wherein the face mask is releasably attached to the primary shell by a plurality of impact absorbing clips positioned on the front edge of the primary shell.
 3. The protective headgear according to claim 1, further comprising an impact absorbing chin piece, and removably attached at a lower edge of the primary shell, the chin piece and the front edge of the primary shell defining the front facial opening.
 4. The protective headgear according to claim 3, wherein the face mask is releasably attached to the primary shell by a plurality of impact absorbing clips positioned on the front edge of the primary shell and the chin piece.
 5. The protective headgear according to claim 1, wherein the primary shell is comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic,
 6. The protective headgear according to claim 1, wherein the face mask section is comprised of polycarbonate.
 7. The protective headgear according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of impact absorbing elongate members attached to the upper edge of the primary shell and extending arcuately over the upper crown opening to protect the crown portion of the wearer's head.
 8. The protective headgear according to claim 7, wherein the impact absorbing members are comprised of polycarbonate.
 9. The protective headgear according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of impact absorbing members comprise a pair of substantially parallel impact absorbing bars extending substantially longitudinally over the crown opening.
 10. The protective headgear according to claim 9, further comprising an adjustable strap attached to the upper edge of the primary shell, and extending substantially perpendicular to the pair of impact absorbing bars.
 11. The protective headgear according to claim 1, wherein the primary shell includes a rear edge having an upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region positioned proximate the center of the rear edge.
 12. The protective headgear according to claim 11, further comprising an impact absorbing back shell attached to the rear edge of the primary shell, and having a downwardly extending semi-circular region complementary to the upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region of the primary shell, wherein the upwardly extending semi-circular region of the primary shell and the downwardly extending semi-circular region of the back shell together define a substantially circular opening through which hair of the wearer can be inserted therethrough.
 13. The protective headgear according to claim 12, wherein the back shell is attached to the primary shell by a plurality of straps.
 14. The protective headgear according to claim 1, further comprising resilient padding attached to an interior surface of the primary shell.
 15. The protective headgear according to claim 1, further comprising an identifying cover member releasably attached to the primary shell and having a distinguishing visual characteristic selected from the group consisting of a color, name and logo.
 16. A protective headgear comprising: (a) an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face, and a rear edge opposed to the front edge having an upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region proximate the center of the rear edge; and (b) an impact absorbing back shell attached to the rear edge of the primary shell, and having a downwardly extending semi-circular region complementary to the upwardly extending substantially semi-circular region of the primary shell, wherein the upwardly extending semi-circular region of the primary shell and the downwardly extending semi-circular region of the back shell together define a substantially circular opening through which hair of the wearer can be inserted therethrough.
 17. The protective headgear according to claim 16, further comprising an impact absorbing face mask section releasably attached to the front edge of the primary shell and positioned for protecting the wearer's face, wherein the face mask section does not contact the wearer's face.
 18. The protective headgear according to claim 17, wherein the face mask is releasably attached to the primary shell by a plurality of impact absorbing clips positioned on the front edge of the primary shell.
 19. A protective headgear kit comprising: (a) a protective headgear comprising an impact absorbing primary shell having an upper edge defining an upper crown opening for exposing a crown portion of a wearer's head, and a front edge defining a front facial opening for exposing the wearer's face; and (b) a plurality of identifying cover members, wherein each of the plurality of identifying cover members can be releasably attached to the primary shell and have a distinguishing visual characteristic distinct from the other cover members.
 20. The protective headgear according to claim 19, wherein the distinguishing visual characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a color, name and logo. 